Dubai Health Featured As Live Case Study In Oxford Global Healthcare Leadership Programme

Dubai Health is being used as a live organisational case within the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership at the University of Oxford, highlighting Dubai’s integrated academic health system and its role in healthcare transformation, international collaboration, and leadership education for current and future health decision-makers.

The live case study is part of the Organisational Leadership module on the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership, which is co-delivered by Saïd Business School and the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. The choice of Dubai Health reflects Dubai’s ambition to advance health for humanity through an integrated academic health system and structured leadership development.

As part of the module, a joint delegation from Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Health travelled to Oxford Saïd Business School. The group presented the planning and expansion of Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, explaining the strategic roadmap and governance that guide its transformation and connect care delivery, education, and research functions across the emirate.

The teaching sessions opened with a detailed presentation by Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. This was followed by a panel involving Dubai and Oxford leaders, who examined how different models of integrated academic health systems operate and how leadership choices affect patient access and outcomes.

The panel discussion brought together Dr. Eleanor Murray, Senior Fellow in Management Practice at Oxford Saïd Business School; Dr. Alawi Al Sheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU; and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi. Participants compared healthcare systems from several countries and discussed leadership strategies for system transformation and academic integration.

Key themes during the session included how integrated academic health systems can link policy, clinical services, and training, and how global collaborative partnerships may support better patient outcomes. The setting allowed experienced health professionals from multiple regions to share lessons, highlight common challenges, and reflect on how leadership education contributes to long-term system performance.

Reflecting on the case study, Dr. Eleanor Murray said, "Dubai Health’s integrated academic health system provided our Masters in Global Healthcare Leadership students with a fascinating live case to explore themes of leadership, partnership working, strategic capability and innovation. We extend our grateful thanks to Dubai Health for generously giving of their time throughout the week to share thoughtful reflections and insights on their transformation journey."

Addressing leadership within such systems, Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali stated, "Leadership within an academic health system is about creating value. The true strength is defined by how effectively those parts work together, not how they act independently. Dubai Health’s transformation journey demonstrates how integrated systems can accelerate meaningful progress when guided by a shared mission and purpose."

Discussing governance, strategy, and local context, Dr. Amer Sharif said, "Developing a governance structure aligned with our vision and values was a foundational step in designing Dubai’s first integrated academic health system. While we learned from global exemplars, our model reflects Dubai’s unique context and aspirations. Our engagement with Oxford Saïd underscores our commitment to continuous learning and the exchange of insights with international partners."

On leadership development and collaboration, Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi explained, "Advancing health for humanity rests on collaboration and shared expertise. Our partnership with Oxford Saïd Business School, including the co-designed Systems Leadership Program delivered through the Dubai Health Leadership Academy, reflects our commitment to developing leaders who think boldly, collaborate deeply, and lead with purpose to drive progress."

Dubai Health’s active involvement in the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership aligns with a wider strategy to contribute to international knowledge on healthcare transformation. The jointly delivered programme combines leadership, management, and frontline clinical expertise, supporting exchange between Dubai Health and leading institutions. This collaboration strengthens Dubai Health’s role in the evolution of integrated academic health systems and global knowledge sharing.

With inputs from WAM